DUNLAP AIMS TO KEEP MATHEWS IN 100 CLUB

Left tackle part of blocking unit that kept RB and Rivers on the offensive vs. Colts

The Chargers left tackle was part of a blocking unit that prevented Colts edge rusher Robert Mathis from adding Philip Rivers to his NFL-leading sack total.

But the best part, Dunlap said Thursday, was seeing Ryan Mathews batter the Indianapolis defense for 102 yards rushing.

Dunlap raised the subject of making a habit of it, with the next chance arising Sunday in Jacksonville.

“Ryan had his first 100-yard game this year. We’re going to try to keep that going. Try to get that every week for him,” Dunlap said. “Running the ball like that helps the passing game for Phil, too. We’re just going to try to keep grinding and keep grinding it out.”

Mathews had last cracked the century mark two seasons ago in Week 13 against the visiting Bills. Also, the same December 2011 game is the last time he repeated a 100-yard outing.

Dunlap and Mathews were playing for the first time since suffering a concussion — Dunlap out since crashing to Tennessee’s turf in Week 2.

“It was bad, but I’m back now,” he said. “I feel good, no more symptoms, no headaches.”

Whatever rust Dunlap accumulated wasn’t harmful to Rivers’ health. Dunlap and right tackle D.J. Fluker impeded, among others, Mathis, who entered with 9.5 sacks in five games. Mathis harried Rivers a few times but never got home.

“I think I did all right,” Dunlap said. “Everybody’s telling me I played a good game. I feel like I could have done some stuff better. But, as a whole, if we do our job up front, we give everybody else a chance of doing their jobs. So, I think as a group we played well.”

Rivers, who called it an “old-fashioned, Old School victory,” enjoyed seeing Mathews pile up yards, too. “We don’t have to be up and down the field throwing the ball to win,” he said. “We have to do whatever the game presents.”

Te’o earning trust

Defensive coordinator John Pagano said rookie Manti Te’o will call the plays against the Jags, after Pagano conveys them to Te’o via a transmitter.

With Donald Butler out, Te’o was in the play-calling role for the first time last Monday, and Pagano said he handled it well.

Telling the other 10 defenders the calls speeds up Te’o’s growth, Pagano said. Pagano, smiling, said glitches Monday owed to Pagano yelling too loudly to Te’o, or not realizing the signal was engaged, which startled Te’o. In April, General Manager Tom Telesco said Te’o’s high football IQ and leadership were significant factors in the decision to trade up and draft him.

Notable

The Chargers are preparing to be without Butler (groin) for the second game in a row. He hasn’t practiced this week. Replacements Andrew Gachkar and Reggie Walker saw increased time against the Colts. Also not practicing Thursday were Chad Rinehart (foot) and Eddie Royal (toe/walking boot). Jarret Johnson (hamstring) was a limited participant.